Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is a synergist used in numerous pesticides. Synergists are chemical products that do not have a pesticide effect but improve the pesticide properties of other chemical products. PBO can be added to phytosanitary compositions containing pyrethrins or more generally compounds of the pyrethroid family. After ingestion by insects, PBO inhibits the secretion of certain enzymes and potentiates the insecticide properties of the phytosanitary product. PBO has harmful effects on human endocrine functions and on the environment.

According to the ITAB (French Research Institute for Organic Farming) guide on inputs (Instructions to the guide – September 2016), products containing PBO will be banned in organic farming according to the following timeline:

Removal of “AB” (organic farming) from the labels of affected products for sale and in distribution on 31 March 2017

Remaining stock to be used by 30 September 2017

Click below to see the lists of plant protection products and basic substances authorised in organic farming in France:

ITAB’s website will publish a new version of the guide to plant protection products authorised in organic farming in France. Products containing PBO will be removed from the list on 30 September 2017. Until then, they will be marked with an asterisk in the guide.